The ultimate guide to Melbourne’s best rooftop bars

Tiny? Yes. But is it also one of the most romantic, sunset-drenched rooftop venues north of the CBD? That it is, too.

Hidden above Thornbury’s Umberto Espresso Bar, Gigi’s is the place to be for sky-high cocktails and snacks in style. Sip on a wine or independent beer, or experiment with one of the low- (and no-) alc drinks on offer.

You won’t go hungry with the classy Italian menu on hand. Dine on dishes such as marinated sardine skewers or elegant plates of ricotta-filled zucchini flowers and ‘nduja soldiers with three cheeses.

As you enjoy your food and drinks, soak up the views of the Macedon Ranges or CBD skyline on the roomy deck, or huddle up to the fire pit in the cooler months.

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This beautiful rooftop bar is right in the heart of the city. Patrons can enjoy a cocktail in the stylishly and richly decorated inside bar, or head outdoors to take in the views from the vibrant rooftop, which boasts stylish yet relaxed decor.

There’s plenty of share plates and tasty snacks at The Emerald Peacock to go with your fancy cocktails, so get yourself a booking and make a night of it!

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The Rooftop at QT is a super sleek and stylish spot that offers patrons superb views of Melbourne’s skyline, with both an indoor and outdoor area.

The staff will ensure that you have a drink in hand at all times, whether it be a glass of local wine from the excellent wine list, a cocktail, or simply to keep you topped up and refreshed with their house-made tonic water.

If you prefer a few light eats to go with your vino, then order from a menu that includes oysters, stone-baked pizza and burgers.

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With scenic vistas over the CBD skyline, Johnny’s Green Room is your go-to rooftop bar in leafy Carlton. 

To a soundtrack of Italo disco music, take a date here for a round of peach bellinis and a couple of pizzas. If you’re after just a snack or two, graze on Mt Zero olives, lemony rock oysters or a trio of tomato and mozzarella arancini. 

Johnny’s bar does a sophisticated range of aperitivi, cocktail slushies, classics, craft beers and wines. There’s also an interesting range of Aussie, Japanese and Scottish whiskies for the spirit lovers.

Craving late-night gelato? Lygon St favourite Pidapipó is minutes away downstairs.

Is there anything HQ Group can’t do? On the heels of successful projects Arbory Bar & Eatery and Arbory Afloat, the bar wizards have opened Her – a multi-purpose drinking hole, restaurant space and music venue.

Full of art and light installations and an impressive custom-lit stairwell, the entire space is impressive. But it’s the rooftop that’s a must-see if you’re all about open-air vibes.

Five storeys up, the modern oasis slings Thai BBQ share plates, fruity cocktails and natural wines. The city views are, as you’d imagine for a rooftop bar on historical Lonsdale St, marvelous.

Get itchy feet after sitting down too long? There’s plenty to do and see in the rest of the building (including a full-service Thai eatery and live music hub), but take it from us: it’s hard to want to leave Her Rooftop once you find a sweet spot.

Here, you won’t even have to think about it until 3am.

There’s no finer view of Melbourne’s CBD skyline than the one from Naked for Satan’s balcony. The hip Fitzroy rooftop bar isn’t just a great photo opp, though.

From Spanish tapas and seafood platters to grilled meat skewers, the lively menu offers a myriad of fun ways to share food with friends. Opt for a charcuterie board or make a selection from the pintxos downstairs before taking the elevator upstairs for a drink.

Dusk is the best time for capturing an idyllic sunset snap, but come early if you can – half of Brunswick St’s drinkers might be making a beeline, too.

Attracting hordes of young inner north-dwelling hipsters, couples and all-ages alike, The Provincial is one of the most iconic – and popular – rooftop bars in Melbourne.

Compete for a seat if you dare or lounge around the spacious cube-shaped bar, which is stocked to the hilt with spirits, craft beers and plenty of bottles of the grape stuff. The wine list showcases Aussie producers, but don’t be surprised to spot a French rose or Italian red in the mix.

Tummy rumbling? Your veggie mates are in luck. Nearly a whopping 60% of The Provincial’s menu is plant-based, though there’s also plenty of burgers, wings and schnitties to gorge on, too.

You will find this rooftop bar on top of the Denyer’s building in Melbourne’s CBD.

Things at Goldilocks Bar are “just right”, with their selection of local craft beers and wines. Or sample one of their original concoctions, each delightfully named after elements in the classic fairy tale. The Papa Bear is full of tequila, apple moonshine and spice.

Add to this some delicious food and you will have left the hustle and bustle behind you for the evening. Hungry guests can chow dishes like spring onion pancakes, beer-battered chips, marinated olives, steamed dumplings, or calamari.

Visitors to Bomba Bar in Lonsdale Street can get their tapas fix in the downstairs restaurant, then head up to the rooftop bar for drinkies. Or vice versa, whichever suits your style best.

The tapas set menu features gorgeous Spanish eats along the lines of anchovy, ricotta and chive montaditos (open-faced sandwiches), scallops in herb butter, eggplant with crispy shallots, or charcoal pork belly with peperonata, to name a few.

When you’re ready for that drink, make your way upstairs and grab a beer, a glass of Spanish wine, or perhaps some spicy, summer-y sangria, to keep the good times rolling.